8 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Drone

The number of drone owners registered in the United States alone is at a staggering 770,000 people. That number is climbing rapidly and is likely to be at well over a million within a year.

It’s no surprise as to why drones have captured the imaginations and recreational spending of so many people. They allow users to soar above the world and experience places they live and visit in ways that only birds could just a few years ago.

If you’re in the market for a drone, you may be ready to run to your local store, buy one, and take to the skies.

Unfortunately, there are some rules and tips you should brief yourself on before buying a drone and diving into the fun. Knowing them will help you get the right drone, keep it safe, avoid injuries and potential legal trouble.

1. Understand Which Kind of Drone You Should Get

Not all drones are created equal. They come in different shapes, sizes, price points and serve different purposes.

To help make sure that you’re purchasing a drone that’s going to fulfill the duty you’d like it to and ensure it’s rated for your skill level, you’ll need to do some basic research.

For starters, ask yourself if you’re looking for a drone that’s for acrobatics, selfies or filming your surroundings. Many will be multi-purpose but knowing which of those activities are most important to you will help cull through a lot of clutter while shopping.

Also, be wary of the terms RTF, BNF, and ARF.

RTF means ready-to-fly and these drones typically require little to no assembly. BNF means that there is no controller included so you’ll need to use your mobile device or a separate controller. ARF means almost-ready-to-fly and will require some assembly on your part.

2. Know That There Will Be Ancillary Costs

Drones can be expensive by themselves and often their upfront cost isn’t all the money you’ll spend. People typically end up buying extra batteries for continued flights and upgraded or replacement parts. View here for more information.

So, be prepared to spend more than the initial cost of a drone if you’re going to make a solid run at this hobby.

3. Choose the Right Place to Buy

You can get a drone from just about any electronics store these days. Just because you can though doesn’t mean you should.

If you’re new to drones, you’ll want to consider buying a drone from a well-rated shop that specializes in selling them. This will allow you to interface with knowledgeable people who can steer you towards the best devices.

4. Have the Right Mobile Device if Needed

Some drones (mostly ARF drones as was described earlier) will require you to use a mobile device to fly them. Make sure that before you pay for your drone, if it requires mobile compatibility, that your mobile device is capable of downloading the appropriate application.

Purchasing a new drone, unboxing it and finding out you’ll need to buy a new cellphone to use it is an experience that occurs all too often. It can easily be avoided with a little diligence up front.

5. Start Reading Up on Basic Drone Safety

Drones are incredible pieces of machinery. They are also incredibly dangerous.

Understanding basic drone safety before you take to the skies will ensure the long-term use of your drone. It will also ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Taking simple precautions such as not flying in public places, avoiding birds, always keeping your drone within your line of sight, and planning your flight paths are all good tips to start off with.

To take your education further, you can learn more on the FAA website.

6. Know the Legal Guidelines to Fly

Drone safety goes beyond making sure you don’t crash it into groups at a park. There are also deeper levels of safety concerns you need to be aware of that are strictly policed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

For example, there are rules in regard to flying with reduced visibility. There are also laws that disallow flying over government facilities and within a certain distance of aircraft.

Be sure you’re fully briefed on all FAA regulations prior to buying a drone.

7. Your Drone May Need to Get Registered

The FAA requires that all persons buying a drone over the age of 13 years old get their device registered. This registration process can be done easily through here and a last check costs just $5.00 for a 3-year license.

Getting caught flying a drone without registration can lead to fines. Don’t get caught without proper paperwork.

8. Be Prepared to Exercise Good Etiquette

People who fly their drones without consideration to others are why drones are getting banned in public settings constantly. If you want to be able to take to the skies in a wide variety of places, it’s integral that you consider other people’s comfort levels while airborne

Basic etiquette includes not flying near crowds, even if legally permitted. Also, don’t use your drone to violate the privacy of others.

For a problem free experience, consider flying your drone in wide open spaces or while secluded during camping trips so long as drones are not banned from the area you’re in.

Wrapping Up Things You Should Know Before Buying a Drone

Buying a drone gives users an unprecedented level of freedom to explore. This freedom, however, isn’t completely free of rules and basic guidelines you should know to make sure you get the right drone and to get the most out of it.

To get started on your drone journey, be sure to understand all of the tips listed above. In conjunction with one another, they’ll ensure you get an optimal experience out of your time in the skies!

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